SEO Is Dead in 2024 and What to Do

[@bradweinberger6907]

Google forgot what made them great

[@MikeGastin]

They're so massive ... I wonder at what point we're all just digital slaves.

[@GoodBaleadaMusic]

Pumping the shittiest combination of websites to the top forcing us to go to Reddit ultimately forcing the deployment of AI search? Thanks Google.

[@GoodBaleadaMusic]

​@@MikeGastindigital slaves? In 2008 the US government deployed the unconventional warfare manual and that perpetually puts you in a state of constitutional war. You let your country go to war with an emotion. That means it's at war forever. That means you're closer to martial law than you are to what you used to have before the twin towers fell

[@madtho]

Google knows exactly what made them great, how they need to change at every step along the way and they’ve got the analytics. They know exactly what they’re doing.

[@eckweb4901]

@@madtho They know what they're doing for their revenue which is only going up. But for the user, they've lost their focus and aren't paying attention to what the users need. The latest search results are not useful, sometimes completely not relevant. This is not good for users. But of course, there are way more ads so their revenue is up. If you own Google stock, you're good!

[@rnomberg]

Countermeasures : 1. Build your own audience through videos, podcasts, social media 17:53 2. Go outbound: paid advertising, direct marketing 18:49 3. Spread your bets: develop a mix of reach channels 20:04 4. Own your relationships : convert your audience to an e-mail database through coupon club, newsletter 21:02 Very insightful, thanks Mike!

[@MikeGastin]

Thank you!

[@vincentcaudo-engelmann9057]

Love the organic, unedited and calm approach. Please keep it that way!

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks, it’s good to know. I plan to. I might do a more edited vid from time to time, but this is the style I’m sticking with.

[@TracerG123]

I’ve heard seo was gonna die every 6 months for the last 12 years

[@MikeGastin]

Haha. Fair enough.

[@calebturner7]

Exactly. It's good clickbait.

[@TessWittlerMktg]

This is one of the best videos on this topic I've seen. I'm in SEO and know what's coming. Thank you for not giving me the rosey spin and instead giving me actionable ways to take back control.

[@MikeGastin]

Very kind-thank you!

[@GetVisibull]

This doesn't apply to *** LOCAL *** SEO. Local SEO industries like automotive, medical, home services, salons/spas, roofing/flooring/countertops/renovation contractors, etc. still benefit tremendously from SEO. We're busier than ever. Our clients are seeing huge spikes in traffic because we specialize in getting them to dominate in the local three pack and with the highest overall combination of star rating and quantity of reviews (while being 100% compliant, most RM solutions including HighLevel review gen snapshots are not compliant and can get you in a lot of trouble). You are right though. Non-local serving businesses it's getting harder to be visible with just SEO alone.

[@gautamudhani1757]

We are in local SEO but we can't in the snack pack as per Google policy. The only option we have is the option to rank our websites in the top 5. But Google is not there accurately.

[@Lupi33z]

Gemini will get that too. Look how it works now, it selects the top 5 businesses off Google Maps with the highest star ratings. Bad luck if Google won't verify your virtual address. You will be nowhere! Backyard service businesses will disappear.

[@jeffciervo3496]

What do you mean by highlevel review gen snapshots being non compliant ?

[@GetVisibull]

@jeffciervo3496 I've seen as many as 4 violations in a single review request. Yelp, Google, TCPA and the FTC. This is one of the major problems with HL. This reseller model requires no actual professional expertise. Anyone can claim they are a marketing expert. nearly all of them are not actual subject matter experts in RM yet they blindly sling it either knowing they aren't compliant and don't care or have no clue. It's one of many of our competitive advantages. And HL hacks are doing us a favor in a way because there is no shortage of failed, embarrassing implementations and we look like heros coming in and cleaning up the mess.

[@NicoHill-s6w]

Everything is clear. Brief and clear. No water. Thank you)

[@MikeGastin]

No water. Lol.

[@CarterTurner-g9b]

You putting this up for free is actually clutch - praise to you

[@MikeGastin]

🙏🏼

[@Lupi33z]

someone else would've eventually, and this is also the lesson to be learned from AI. If its easy for you it will be easy for everyone, leaving you lost in the crowd.

[@lancemontgomery5418]

Great content. I own a digital marketing agency and this topic comes up several times a week at our office.

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks, Lance. I’d be curious to know what your thoughts are on this. How do you see the future of SEO and what do you think the best options are for marketers going forward?

[@BarbaraDay]

Great take on the current SEO landscape. And am so impressed by the lack of cuts in your video, you know what you want to say and you say it, vs. an edit every 3 seconds like I see on so many KZbin videos. Refreshing.

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks, Barbara. Very kind. 🙏🏼

[@Thenoobestgirl]

I admire people who can do that

[@papabearhaswhatyouneed5755]

This video gave me a lot to consider moving forward as a newbie. Having spent most of the past year trying to crack the SEO algorithm it is both a relief and a a swift kick to the bean bag, if you know what I mean. I attended some classes online and use Google search several times a day, every day and as I watched this video the lightbulb lite up. I have been overlooking this for weeks now. Kind of makes me feel a bit incompetent in many ways. I see you put this video out in early August and it is or pretty much has unfolded like you outlined, AI has taken over the top part or the results page on almost every search I make. You have gotten my undivided attention as I move forward and I am looking forward to diving into your content to see what other hidden nuggets you have uncovered that may help me attain my goals. Thanks for the great content and I look forward to more great days ahead.

[@MikeGastin]

Making the best guess I can. I'm not always going to be right or get everything 100%. However, it's troubling to see how this is unfolding. Like you, I'm seeing Google AI answers in 99% of my searches. All the best!

[@JordanRodriguez512]

Sorry, but SEO is not dead. You may not understand how SEO has evolved, and how it works today, but that doesn't mean it's dead. I've been doing SEO for 10+ years and I'm making more money doing it than I ever had. I've also been hearing this same "SEO is dead" sentiment since the beginning.

[@MikeGastin]

Happy for you,bro. Seriously.

[@Habibullah-rt8dn]

Bro can i contact u.i have a question to u about SEO cuz I'm a beginner in this sector.

[@shibdenhall]

It is not because there is a peak in activity that his remarks are poorly analyzed. There are often behavioral anomalies that prove that the analysis is good. I have been in the game longer than you and I can certify that this analysis is excellent and visionary. SEO is being completely thrown out and Google is putting the accelerator on content filters. So much the better if your niche sites still pass the door.

[@stevek4654]

Thanks Mike. No wonder my website isn't getting any traffic. Good thing I've begun to incorporate email marketing and paid ads into my marketing strategy.

[@MikeGastin]

Bummer. Well, lots of other ways to grow an audience. Good luck.

[@kennethjonesphotography]

This has been one of the most eye-opening videos I’ve seen in a very long time. I’ve been very concerned with issue of AI reducing, if not totally eliminating website traffic from search engines, specifically from Google searches. But it’s also something I’ve suffered ridicule about from the few people I’ve discussed this with. As for me, I’ve ALWAYS believed in outbound marketing as the most secure way to build a base of business (maybe because I started business marketing in the late 1970s long before the Internet, Google, et al). Like you, I much prefer to control my own destiny. Thanks for the video, and I look forward to seeing more from you.

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks, Kenneth-very encouraging to hear from you. It's likely that reality will fall somewhere between my take and those who say, "It's not the end, it's just going to be different". Regardless, having control, spreading bets, and doing more outbound/direct marketing can only help. As you know, that's just good business-always has been. ;)

[@TevariReeves]

A good lecture that will benefit all who have followed this excellent explanation.

[@MikeGastin]

Um … thanks.

[@Tsukushi-Japan]

Great Content. We have just opened our business in the Japanese traditional crafts and your advice is gold! Thanks!

[@MikeGastin]

All the best with your new venture!

[@BrysonJohnston-e7f]

Clear and understandable, I wish there was more information like this.

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks!

[@ZacharyGoodrem]

Appreciate the non-fluff straightforward approach. Was a great review for me. Thank you!

[@MikeGastin]

Thank you for letting me know!

[@TobyBrown-q2b]

Thank you for explaining everything so clearly. Everything is very clear. Like for the explanation.

[@MikeGastin]

👍🏼

[@BalthasarLeeper]

It's a pleasure to watch.

[@MikeGastin]

Thank you.

[@prhasn]

Thanks for this breakdown. It should be clear, but I could not see it before. Your video is sobering and indeed it looks like they are phasing out their dependency on websites. Similar to how Amazon introduced Amazon Basics to compete with sellers.

[@MikeGastin]

Yes, good analogy with Amazon Basics.

[@LindenBrown-e9h]

Thanks for the video! Loved it very much!

[@MikeGastin]

Awesome!

[@RobertPlank]

Wow, Mike! This video really opened my eyes. I had no idea that Google is shifting so much power away from businesses that rely on SEO. The part about how AI can answer questions directly on the search page instead of sending people to our websites is wild! I also learned that we need to take back control and build our own audiences instead of relying on Google to send traffic our way. Plus, owning our email lists so we can talk directly to our customers is a game changer. Thanks for sharing these insights! Can't wait to follow your advice and adapt!

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks, Robert. Good luck with your channel!

[@TivontePope]

Thank you for creating the video - likes Unequivocally !!!!

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks!

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

My heart is in the right place for my customers, but my process is all wrong. This was very interesting and points out my many failures.

[@MikeGastin]

Failures. Or, you could say, "experiments" from which you're learning, changing, and getting better. ;)

[@stereoheartsrnb]

your video quality is amazing. can you share your camera/lens/lighting setup?

[@MikeGastin]

Hey, thanks! RE: set up. I shoot with a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K and a Sigma Art zoom (I forget the range and am not in my studio rn). I shoot BRAW and then do correction in DaVinci Resolve. I've got one larger key light with a soft box. It sits off to my left a bit, but I keep it close so the shardows aren't too dramatic. It's nothing too special. I have sound dampening blankets in front of me and some ceiling panels, however, I'm not thrilled with my room sound, yet. My mic, which you can probably guess, is a Sure SM7B. I run that through a Motu M4 (it's about three years old; newer version out now). Hope that helps.

[@jasonduckworth]

What a great video. And yes I agree, the writing is on the wall. A.I is eating our lunch.

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks!

[@bosslifebeauty]

And let's be honest. Good, bad or ugly, It saves time. I don't have to scroll through 10 different websites and read 4 different blog articles to get the information I'm looking for, and if I want to go a little deeper, or get more information, there's 9 ways you can go from there. Using social media, different AI modules and browsers. Thank you for sharing your opinion. It's the inevitable truth. I come from a backgournd of developing websites and doing advertising and marketing since the early nineties, before you could even build your own website and do your own blog and create your own seo. Excellent video.

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks!

[@reneasmussendk]

I agree, but as a photographer with SEO expertise. How will Google take over a photographers business? By offering it themselves?

[@MikeGastin]

Have you seen AI image generation?

[@reneasmussendk]

@@MikeGastin How will ai replace lets say a wedding photographer?

[@RBova1]

You're raising an important point. When someone is searching for a specific product, like a new vinyl record, stores offering that item will still benefit from the pragmatic aspects of SEO. In these cases, where the user knows exactly what they want, SEO remains highly relevant. However, in situations where a user is simply looking for information, like finding out who sang the "SEO is dead" song, Google often provides the answer directly, bypassing the need to drive traffic to the content creator’s website or service. This shift highlights SEO's evolving role depending on the search intent.

[@SamSteinerNET]

@@reneasmussendk probably in numerous ways - but it will. That super-expensive wedding photo-shoot at sunset on the beach? Disappearing fast. AI enhancing amateur photos will also be a few levels higher in a few months. Startups are replacing business headshot photographers with apps and background image editing services (manual or automated/AI). Google is a big player there, too (see AI features in Pixel smartphones). Some will scream "but, but, the quality!!!?!". They did when we switched to digital photography, they did at Midjourney Version 2... same song. It never stopped anything, just distracted from finding solutions or pivoting.

[@reneasmussendk]

@@SamSteinerNETSad but true!

[@nahin1]

Traditional SEO might be dead but not the actual search and find game, people still look for stuff and we need to keep playing the game. SEO isn't going anywhere, its just the definition and working process is changing over the time.

[@MikeGastin]

Time will tell. You may be right!

[@Latvijasfans]

Yes, agree, still there will be a lot of businesses, like insurance products. But many thanks about this video! It is clear, that there will no only blacks or whites. It is art of using your intellectual power to use right things in right place.

[@AIGeddon]

Well let's hope u got a fat AdWords budget or be premium Partner with perplexity cuz unless you're saving someone's life people won't give a shit at all 70% clicking on whatever is first place not knowing the difference between organic and paid

[@growth208]

Great insights to SEO. Makes sense. Example: LinkedIn’ algo doesn’t like when we post links to take people off LI, right. So if you’re savvy you’ve looked into this to find how to best build your community to engage with your content on the platform. Same as ur idea with Google - they want to keep people on their platform…. so we need to understand if people go to G to find a service product (not just knowledge) how will google serve this search? Knowledge (correct or not) AI google can serve and never show a website, product, or service..but what about those searching G for products and services….?

[@seancamilleri8521]

Good hypothesis. However, Google earns more than 80% of its revenue from ads, mainly display ads and search ads. If they undermine publishers or online brands as you suggest, they would be shooting themselves in the foot for two reasons: 1. Online businesses would have less capital to invest in Google ads, and 2. There would be fewer websites available to showcase their display ads.

[@RD-fp6xu]

Hit the nail on the head. This is a good video but as a Software Engineer myself, it just doesn’t make fiscal sense for Google to push their AI over paid ads. Plus there are always boomers who will never grasp AI and prefer the SERPs.

[@MikeGastin]

Fair enough. However, you have to ask what the future business landscape will look like. We are seeing more and more pressure being put on the private (small) businesses, meaning over time they become less of a factor in the economy. Google can make billions by favoring and excepting large corporations while killing off the private businesses. For the little guy, SEO is everything; a way to punch above your weight. But, soon, no one needs the little guy's content. At the same time, large brands and corps have whole villages of marketing people covering all the bases and billions in cash to work with. Google will be just fine if they favor the giants awhile squeezing out the privates.

[@RD-fp6xu]

@@MikeGastin It might be a good thing. We have too many “little guys” who think they are experts, pushing out mediocre content. We need experts to reclaim the market a little in my opinion. You make some great points though.

[@tomasbusse2410]

The rule content is King won’t change. However ai will be the content. We have a few years yet but don’t kid yourself. Google will find other ways to make money.

[@RD-fp6xu]

@@tomasbusse2410 what makes you qualified to say that?

[@lisahart5682]

You know, I just subscribed to you because I like what you have to say, and the fact that you're not trying to sell anything and you're just giving your honest, educated opinion, which I think is very valuable and I appreciate you. And look forward to more content from you.

[@MikeGastin]

Why, thank you!

[@navya-s3v]

With some claiming SEO is dead in 2024, it’s crucial to adapt by focusing on evolving strategies like AI-driven optimization and user-centric content.

[@MikeGastin]

I agree with the need for user-centric content.

[@gautamudhani1757]

User centric content (my foot - by Google) In my niche backlinks are ranking buddy. They barely have 200 words of content. Even not the original one. Websites are ranking which redirects to dating sites. Urls are ranking show 404 when opened.

[@AidanMiller-d4h]

Everything is great!

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks!

[@RhettStewart-k9k]

No water, fast! Way to go.

[@MikeGastin]

Never any water … ;)

[@carolynb.7455]

Great video, potentially saving website owners a lot of time, not overly chasing Google SEO. Thank you!

[@MikeGastin]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aartishailajadeshpande]

loved the way you explained the upcoming issues we are gonna face with AI's in future.! Thank you !

[@MikeGastin]

My pleasure!

[@peiseoagency]

I'm not quite as gloomy on the AI vs SEO front. There are some hard limits to the very core of how LLM AI works that cannot be fixed by a version upgrade. Google has found this itself already, hence the major pullback from suggesting people eat a rock a day at the top of their SERPs, but I 1,000% agree that now more than ever, it is important to diversify your diutal marketing and learn to get traffic sources from outside the Google ecosystem. Doesn't change the fact that this is an excellent video, and it just earned itself a new subscriber.

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks! Yes, diversification is key. ;)

[@stevo728822]

Do you remember when getting listed on DMOZ was a big deal?

[@MikeGastin]

Haha! Yeah man. Those were good times.

[@Nalarfilosofi]

Thank you mike i need this, this is the first time i watch your video.. and i love the content and the way you telling story

[@MikeGastin]

Thank you, too!

[@nasimsaddi]

I mean... mind-blowing! the scary fact is that what you are saying is actually making a lot of sense! Question: what will happen to those of us who live in countries that google has sanctions against? I live in Iran and Gemini doesn't pop up on SERP yet, it occasionally happens if we use a VPN!

[@MikeGastin]

Oh! Great question. I don't have any insights, tbh.

[@IOSALive]

Mike Gastin, great video it was really good

[@MikeGastin]

Thank you!

[@LJSheffRBLX]

Mike Gastin, great video my guy

[@MikeGastin]

Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@esthermusa6722]

Hi Mike, great video! Would you advise me to learn SEO and email marketing? I'm looking to move more into digital marketing. I’m currently working in PR (in-house). The press releases I write for the company I work for bring a lot of traffic to the website, so that’s where my interest in SEO started.

[@MikeGastin]

Absolutely, especially email marketing. Email has been around forever and it still works. You have a direct line with your audience/customers, which is really great.

[@MichaelTodd-x5k]

You explain it very well!

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks.

[@AsherScott-z8r]

The video is great, informative!

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks!

[@TobyStevens-m5k]

Really clever explanation and no unnecessary verbiage! Respect! + subscription

[@MikeGastin]

Thank you!

[@dracorosso7129]

How will the AI search engine affect retailers? I know services are in trouble but what about retailers.

[@MikeGastin]

Great question. Am wondering what some of the other folks think about that.

[@LisvethAbreu-f6k]

how is this going to effect the service industry? like home improvement and other serivces that need seo to get clients?

[@MikeGastin]

Not 100% sure, tbh.

[@blake-m5o1g]

uncle mike, we love you too!

[@MikeGastin]

Yeah!! Thanks. 👊🏼

[@WynandMeyering]

Do any of the websites recover that have been hit by the algorithm after you make changes?

[@MikeGastin]

Anyone care to share results?

[@manojmaitydm]

SEO is still alive for real businesses that sells services or products, dead for content only sites.

[@MikeGastin]

Fair enough. How do service/product businesses use SEO in a way that's different? I ask because not every site trying to rank content is selling content or ads. For instance, flooring companies post advice and how-to articles to rank on the SERP and draw new customers to their site. If that's overrun by AI, what then?

[@manojmaitydm]

​@@MikeGastinai overview shows only informative content not transactional content. Create advice content for videos or other format

[@christravels22]

​@@MikeGastin businesses that sell services or products should still produce informational content through a blog to demonstrate to Google that they have knowledge and are an authority in their industry/niche so their service pages (transactional/commercial) rank well

[@natefrazier1222]

And there are SO many aging businesses and business owners that are Service based that could use a relevant SEO boost to prepare their business to be able to sell more easily. Great info! Go Phillies!

[@chucksayswords]

SEO is still alive for OLDER businesses that have used it in the past. My businesses created since 2020 are more successful without any SEO efforts than wasting the time.

[@johanhedin1058]

Great video Mike. But aren’t we taking it to extreme? I mean if I’m a startup company how can the AI write about the company? The chicken and the egg scenario. Besides many people like to see a variety of options presented in the serps the same way when you go to restaurant. Also some industries I don’t want an AI provide me the answer for example medical and legal advice etc. Lastly, AI relies on already existing information. If humans stop researching and writing then how can the AI provide the up to date answers. What is your opinion on this?

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks. To your question(s), yes, I'm taking it to an extreme. And, AI writing about your startup-well that question has an embedded assumption: that anyone cares about your startup or that Google cares to promote it. My argument isn't that you won't be allowed to write about your start up. You can and will continue to. And, no one will stop you from publishing to your website about your start up. (Unless you fall afoul of the state, an increasingly difficult issue that needs to be address if we are to enjoy free speech.) But the big issue for my argument is that even if you write about it, NO ONE will ever see your post. Even if someone does a search on your company, AI will pull what it wants to construct its own answer and the link to your site will likely be buried. Lastly, if you tell your employee to do a write up on your start up, it's likely that he or she will turn to AI to help write the piece. So, in the end you have a sort of hybrid piece of content generated by AI, edited and published by a human. Not sure the impact of that that over time, but I can guarantee that your write up will be so uninteresting and vanilla that it won't cut through the noise and gain you much in the way of attention. Just my opinion, of course. ;)

[@mbpblue]

Great info. Thanks for keeping me up to date

[@MikeGastin]

You bet

[@bradweinberger6907]

Google should make a version that helps me understand what my wife is really asking 😂

[@MikeGastin]

Yikes! Not touching that one.

[@Lupi33z]

there's definitely utility for an AI app that decodes women

[@RodrigoKormann]

I always hear about creating an email database. Does it actually work? I can speak by myself that I hate giving my email when somebody ask. Most of the time, I give fake email when I'm asked. I don't want my mail be full of unwanted offers. If I want to I go after it. I've been doing it for at least 25 years. Thanks and congrats for the content!

[@MikeGastin]

Email database can be one of the most valuable assets ... if you build it and use it. Create a business email address if you want to protect your main one from spam. (A legit concern.)

[@jonathanlkt01]

You are right, the future of online marketing is social media

[@MikeGastin]

Well, I'm not sure that was my point, but okay. Social Media is one part of the puzzle.

[@ilias_sami]

Mike Gastin's perspective on the death of SEO and the rise of AI in search is a bold statement, but it certainly aligns with the evolving digital landscape. While traditional SEO tactics still hold some weight, it's clear that focusing on building a strong brand, direct audience engagement, and diversified marketing strategies is becoming increasingly crucial. I'm eager to see how these strategies evolve and impact businesses in the coming years. Has anyone else experienced challenges adapting to this new AI-driven marketing environment?

[@MikeGastin]

👆🏼👆🏼👆🏼 Thanks. ;)

[@AIGeddon]

That's ai generated isn't it

[@tisha.klemetz]

Amen for the email list!!! I’m 100% for list building. Excellent video, thanks!

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks!

[@ProsperitySinclair]

Crisp, smart way of explaining, necessary and sufficient information. That was helpful. Thank you.

[@MikeGastin]

Thank you!

[@JohnC-24]

17:30 - 4 ways to take back control. Amazing video. Thank you.

[@MikeGastin]

👊🏼

[@romarina2687]

What about Google Ads? If they’re more closed aren’t they losing an important part of their business?

[@MikeGastin]

I don’t thinks their ads will be impacted. As long as they get traffic (people searching) they can sell ads. I bet most people will just keep using Google for search. However, a big chunk of websites will be buried because AI will provide all the answers to searchers’ questions.

[@perygrewal2809]

What an impressive insight. Thanks for making this video❤

[@MikeGastin]

🙏🏼

[@peiseoagency]

The proper way to use AI for SEO is to use it as a multitool and not a replacement. My written-content takes LONGER to create now with AI than it did before without it, but it's razor-sharp focused on the target audience now, exploits market gaps more accurately, and results in copy thats so much more well written by me, with the ASSISTANCE of AI.

[@MikeGastin]

Interesting.

[@islami-media]

Dear sir you have very informative discussion thank you every video is educational

[@MikeGastin]

Thank you!

[@cryptouncle848]

Thank you so much for this incredibly informative video on SEO! Your explanations were clear, concise, and packed with valuable insights. I've learned a lot, and I can't wait to apply these strategies to improve my website's visibility. Keep up the fantastic work-your content is making a real difference!

[@MikeGastin]

Wow, thank you. :) And all the best!

[@HarryMonson-w7l]

That's just awesome.

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks, I think. ;)

[@brunovincent1969]

Hi MIke, I don't like newsletters, but your content is so inspiring that I'll sign up right away! The lighting is just perfect, is that natural light or artificial and what watts and distance are the lights?

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks, Bruno. Artificial light, mostly. I forget the specifications-I've had it for years. It's got a nice diffuser on it and is only two or three feet from my face.

[@bradweinberger6907]

Darn, I was just about to quit my job and go all in on SEO

[@MikeGastin]

I bet you were. ;)

[@vincentcaudo-engelmann9057]

I like this. It’s like we came full circle. Outbound ftw. Pick up the phone!

[@MikeGastin]

😉

[@JoshuaReeves-h3i]

Thanks for the video!)

[@MikeGastin]

No prob!

[@IrynaBa-bh1rl]

great REAL presenting, great information. thank you

[@MikeGastin]

Thank you!

[@leandroledesma4584]

Dude, your image looks great! What camera do you own? Excellent topic, thanks and greetings from Argentina.

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks! I am shooting with a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K with a Sigma Art zoom lens, (I forget the specific lens specs at the moment.)

[@sandyyvonallain]

Very good video. I was obsessed about SEO and AI but you changed my mind!!! Google doesn't need use anymore. I would love your thoughts about affiliate marketing if it also dead or not?

[@MikeGastin]

I'm not too sure about affiliate. I suspect that will be around for a while longer because as long as you have an audience there will be other companies that will want access to your audience and will be happy to share some profit with you. And, even though SEO is going to drastically change, don't totally give up on it yet. It remains to be seen how all these changes roll out and affect us. Just don't put all your eggs in the Google SEO basket and you'll be fine. ;)

[@CyrilKard]

I have a question, Mike!❓You mentioned that AI won't need us, bloggers and creators, anymore. That Ai can answer all questions by scrapping content, and give it to users. But what will happen with LLM systems, when there wouldn't be anyone who producing the content? What will happen when blogging industry will be destroyed and not being updated? When they start to learn their AIs on low-quality and old content? If Google is killing the industry, from where they will be getting all the information (content) to feed their AI during learning? What will happen when they will get a bunch of low quality articles from Torbes, Medit, or IndiaTimes or else to feed their AI? Won't the LLMs degradate after some time?

[@MikeGastin]

I appreciate your question. I wonder, similarly, what happens when the LLMs are learning from their own content. None of this is 100% clear and I don't assume that I'm even close to 100% correct in my vid. I think I am spot on with the trend that I call out. The real question is, to what degree will this all play out? Fully or not much?

[@connorwalbergSEO]

I would guess that AI will have more and more hallucinations where it creates new content based on it's own content and it get's less and less accurate. I'm sure there will be safeguards put in place to help with this but it might be hard to get it under control when that happens too much.

[@harryjackson8136]

​@@MikeGastin Google now has enough sites for each niche in the world. Since its inception, Google has classified sites using community-driven portals like the earlier DMOZ directory, then Wikipedia, etc. Recently, Google partnered with Reddit. So, Google gets first-hand information from the Internet and real-users. That's how it builds its database. Same thing for SearchGPT; they began partnering with leading publishers (for testing purposes). This is how they develop their LLM and try to provide them accurate and updated information. Definitely, users are obsessed with Google-sponsored ads when they are trying to search for simple answers. Google gets millions of queries each day which never been found earlier. For those queries, Google has now started Semantic Search results, so when a matching keyword is not found in the database, it returns the results based on the Context.

[@mxhoog]

Just by curiosity have you worked with seo yourself? //Max

[@MikeGastin]

🤷🏻‍♂️ Really?

[@stm.natural_selection]

Local search is still good. All in all dont put your eggs in one basket. I still see strong results with SEO optimised content that matches intent. Running a paid ad funnnel to supplement the baseline SEO is necessary. Will be interesting to see where we're at in 5-10 years time

[@MikeGastin]

👍🏼

[@NiramHinton-e2b]

Beyond competition.

[@MikeGastin]

🙏🏼

[@FollowMagicBrad]

I’ve gone back to mailing Direct Mail Postcards via the USPS. I’ve got software that I can automate, and unlimited 4x6 cards cost me $.56 each.

[@MikeGastin]

Nice. How's that working for you? Direct mail has a lot of potential, but it's got to be done right for it to be worth the spend.

[@FollowMagicBrad]

@@MikeGastin 👍 It’s working “OK” but not near as good as it used to back in the 80s and 90s. People have become numb to most communication. The product definitely needs to have margin. Back in the 80s and 90s it was for promoting my Magic Show which ranged from two $200-$500 per gig. The price of postage per card was about $.20.

[@SamSteinerNET]

@@FollowMagicBrad people have been forced to become numb to the massive over-communication of our times. Maybe we need "still small voice marketing". :)

[@mellanytravers6544]

Thank you.

[@MikeGastin]

No, you. ;)

[@MichaelSharpTechniSmart]

Nice video Mike. Good advice. We are not-for-profit, but those same rules apply to us. We subscribed and joined your mailing list.

[@MikeGastin]

Glad you found it helpful. And, welcome!

[@bernhard.rieder]

Static website content is not needed anymore for generic and general information. Think of it like this: Websites are the yellow phonebook pages that became 100% obsolete when the internet was born. Do you want to keep printing them? Good luck.

[@MikeGastin]

So, what's next? Just AI results? If so, good luck. I agree, btw, with your analogy. Justy wondering what you think businesses should be doing about it. ;)

[@fakrounnoureddine883]

I both agree and disagree. Google earns heavily from Adsense, but its algorithms have turned against affiliate sites, which aren’t as profitable. Many affiliates have collapsed, while new blogs with Adsense partnerships thrive. Google’s stance seems clear: work with them, or risk being forgotten.

[@MikeGastin]

Mafia? Lol

[@fakrounnoureddine883]

@@MikeGastin Exactly 🤣

[@Thibault-Immocompare]

Note sure that it would be a good bet for Google. Correct me if i'am wrong but AI is based on content created on the SERP. If there is no incentive to create new content anymore Gemeni will just give outdated info and poeple will look for another source leaving Google. Its true that if your SEO is based on definition, recipies or thing that doesnt change over time you will have to find new strategies. However If you work on Google News, if you compare phone or things like that you might still have a place. What do you think ?

[@MikeGastin]

I think you're right; that for many it's a problem, but for those willing to work harder and find the more narrow opportunities that they will be okay.

[@EllisElrick]

Do you think AI will takeover the Local Pack and suggest businesses for searchees? For Local Businesses, websites act as digital property and with more visibility naturally comes more leads. I still think that SEO for local businesses is essential, as an agency you may struggle but under Rank and Rent model, businesses will always pay good money for an extra stream of work. Content can drive traffic to a site but search intent is vital here, users looking for information don't tend to purchase anyway, someone looking for a specific service in X area is a different ball game. Interested to hear your thoughts Mike, great vid.

[@MikeGastin]

First, thanks! Second, not sure about the local market. It seems that it's insulated for the time being. I would imagine at some point if there's money to be made doing local that Goog and their ilk will find a way to cut out the little guy. Even so, there's always a way forward AND I really don'y know where this is ultimately going. Time will tell.

[@CalmSerenity-pv9xe]

Don't loose track of the large Language models, AI uses to draw upon to come up with its results, is dependent upon creators/people work. These models collapse when using multi-versions of their own results. So, creator content will remain essential for the AI approach to work effectively.

[@MikeGastin]

Maybe. I assume that the LLM and access to content is necessary at first. But, is there a point where it becomes less relevant to search results? Will the AI systems rely on LLMs less and less? I suspect so. In fact, they are going to HAVE to "evolve" past the LLMs when most of the content out there is produced by AI. LLM isn't any good when it becomes an AI echo chamber. We'll see. Nothing is clear at this point.

[@CalmSerenity-pv9xe]

@@MikeGastin LLM's will continue to evolve and improve. What we see today will become as obsolete as a white colored minitower is. Anyway, I like your thinking you've expressed here. Here's a thought question for you...Will the adoption of personalized AI BOT's for obtaining timely information from the web end the dominance of Google search?

[@DominicLodi]

Mike, while I agree with a lot here, your points mainly relate to people making money on informational searches (ie., recipes, news sources, etc). While Google can take all the informational content written by the people and take credit for it, they will never be able to take or replicate the products/services being offered. The reason why they make money is by driving transactional traffic to websites so the SEO fight in E-commerce won't be dwindling anytime soon. What are you thoughts on this?

[@MikeGastin]

I agree somewhat. I am guilty of overstating in this vid. SEO isn't dead. However, I think you might be discounting the number and types of businesses that rely on organic search traffic. It's not just companies that make money on informational searches. Case in point, how did Gary Vee make his bones? He drove gonzo traffic to his parents' wine shop by posting reviews about wine. They became the trusted authority and in turn got tons of retail traffic in return. Although Gary's story is somewhat old by internet standards, there are tons of businesses using that same model to sell physical products and in-person services. I think they are on shaky ground going forward if they think SEO will continue to deliver the results it has in the past.

[@DominicLodi]

@@MikeGastin Totally agree. I do SEO in the E-commerce space so my role involves more tech SEO and website health: fixing 404 errors, 301 inlinks, adding schema, eliminating duplicate content, monitoring indexability, sitemap errors. However, as you mentioned, gaining results in SERP positioning using keywords and holistic content is increasingly changing due to algorithm shifts.

[@stevo728822]

I find the best features of AI text results are 1. The ability to summarize long and complex information in a shortened format. Such as "Give me the plot of the novel Frankenstein in 500 words." 2. To create answers that span multiple subjects and combine them. AI Beta will be even more powerful when it can use real time data. AI Beta will answer "Where is the cheapest pair of brown 38 inch waist 30 inch length regular fit Chinos I can buy today?"

[@MikeGastin]

Good to know.

[@xXx-lfg]

I said this the day OpenAI released CGPT. As well as everyone on earth losing their jobs and Sam doing UBI, while everyone sits on a beach getting fat and becoming zombies knowing nothing (Idiocracy.)

[@MikeGastin]

Idocracy was a prophecy in many ways.

[@projectObject247]

Good presentation, many thanks

[@MikeGastin]

Thank you, too.

[@Martin_Cole]

Well done. Great video really insightful

[@MikeGastin]

Thank you!

[@vincentcaudo-engelmann9057]

Alta Vista baby!!!

[@MikeGastin]

Haha! Yeah. Good times.

[@tomasbusse2410]

I stopped posting blogposts when ai was being used by SEO experts. My ranking stayed 100% stable. Sometimes doing nothing is the right thing. I think google will continue to dominate the service industry but yes I agree with you.

[@MikeGastin]

Interesting.

[@martintazky]

Great video Mike, very interesting thougts. and real future with AI

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks! 👊🏼

[@Lisa-yu9ys]

Wow. Great video! Learned a lot. Thank you!

[@MikeGastin]

Cool-thank you, too.

[@simoncrowe85]

Sometimes the KZbin algorithm just gets it spot on. This is my first time watching your videos and i found it very thought provoking and resonated completely with what you're saying, even down to remembering income school and Jim talking so passionately about featured snippets. Just subscribed to you on KZbin and joined your email list! As a fellow KZbinr, seriously keep up the great work 💪💪

[@MikeGastin]

Thanks very much, Simon! And, welcome-glad to have you aboard.

[@TheCannyGroup]

This is a really interesting video Mike, thanks for your perceptive insights. I have one query. If Google's business model is based around Google Ads driving paid traffic to business websites, surely the AI scenario you outline above would kill off that business? Do you have any thoughts on why Google would cannibalise itself in this way with AI and kill the goose that lays the golden egg? And how do they intend to replace the inevitable lost revenue when businesses catch on and stop advertising? Any insights gratefully received, we are relative SEO newbies and don't want to invest time and money into something if we need to be directing our efforts elsewhere.

[@MikeGastin]

I guess my question back is how do you see the model cannibalizing? I absolutely will cannibalizing IF the average Google user (searcher) is discerning. Most consumers are happy with sub-optimal quality. And, I suspect Google believes that the quality of AI-generated content is going to keep getting better. Thus, people will be happy with that kind of content and will keep returning to Google for search, meaning Google will keep its traffic which it can then sell to advertisers. Look, I am making a guess here and am likely right on some aspect and wrong on others. I'd keep SEO as PART of your mix. Just don't build your business on it.

[@TheCannyGroup]

@@MikeGastin Thanks for your prompt answer Mike, much appreciated. I think I possibly used the wrong term there in 'cannibalizing'. I guess my question in a nutshell is: how does Google make its money without advertising once content creators are cut out of the picture? I understand Google wanting to keep people on the SERP but without people clicking through to websites, don't they cut off their own arm once content creators realise this and stop advertising?

[@MikeGastin]

Ah. I see. My bad. Well, again, I'm not 100% certain. However, I suspect that the large companies; the Apples, Sonys, Walmarts of the world will keep pouring billions in if the audience is there. What's your take?

[@TheCannyGroup]

@@MikeGastin My take is that I just don't see them voluntarily destroying their business model. By allowing AI, Gemini etc to answer all search queries, where do they earn revenue on that? 🤔

[@nasimsaddi]

Also, what about platforms that are related to google, like youtube?

[@Travelingworldtrips]

People still use AI for every info for KZbin they need to roam around n research but AI give ans in 0 second

[@meatsports1683]

What are your thoughts on the implications for local search and the new google business practices

[@MikeGastin]

It seems from what I am hearing that local search is still doing fine. To be honest, I don't have much insight into local and Google's new business practices. Can you share anything?

[@thesatirist7180]

I definitely don't believe that SEO will die, perhaps it will slow down as search will no longer dominate. Because ther are certain content which needs to have human touch, even if sge will role out users will still look for content that has human touch in them, the problem here will be the rampant untested and artificially generated content which might affect users personally, general information might not cause harm but for personal care and development that needs human touch, these contents may be difficult to peruse in the near future.

[@MikeGastin]

Great point about content quality. Thanks.